Mad Samurai Productions options novel ZED for feature film.

Mad Samurai Productions is pleased to announce that it has optioned the critically acclaimed Canadian novel ZED, written by author Elizabeth McClung, with Jeff Renfroe (The Colony) attached to direct.

Published in 2005 by Vancouver based Arsenal Pulp Press, to vast critical acclaim, ZED tells the story of a 13 year girl who must navigate through the treacherous adult world of a near future housing complex called the Tower, in search of a nameless serial killer.

The film will be produced by Matthew Cervi for Mad Samurai Productions and directed by Jeff Renfroe, who previously worked together on the post-apocalyptic Canadian action film The Colony starring Laurence Fishburne and Bill Paxton. Most recently Cervi produced the feature Cruel & Unusual, which was recently picked up for US distribution via Candy Factory Films. Screenwriter Mark Bacci has been tasked to adapt the novel to the big screen.

Said Cervi, “The moment I started reading ZED I realized it was the perfect vehicle for a feature film adaptation. The story and characters were so visceral and fresh, I feel in love with ZED’s coming of age struggle alone in this nightmarish adult world. Author Elizabeth McClung created a complex and dark metaphor of the human condition. It was a no brainer for me to get involved.”

Renfroe recently directed the Spike TV documentary I Am Steve McQueen as well as multiple 1 hour episodes for the CW Network, SyFy, Direct TV and Shaw. Bacci also has several projects in development with Don Carmody Productions, Discovery Channel, and Warner Brothers.

The deal for ZED was negotiated between Cervi and Brian Lam of Arsenal Pulp Press.